Traditional riverboat on the Mississippi River

Best Things to Do in Mississippi River

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Mississippi River

America’s most storied river, the Mississippi flows more than 2,300 miles through America’s heartland, bordering ten states from northern Minnesota to Louisiana, before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi connects cities as varied as New Orleans, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, St. Louis and Minneapolis.

Top Mississippi River Attractions

From New Orleans to Memphis — the Lower Mississippi

The lower Mississippi offers a wealth of regional music, cuisine, history, and architecture. It's a fascinating region that is coming to terms with its past and looking to the future. You'll encounter impressive sights and activities in Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana; and some small towns along the way.

The lower Mississippi technically starts from Cairo, Illinois.

In pre-civil war days, when cotton was king, two-thirds of all American millionaires lived between New Orleans and Natchez. That all ended abruptly with the war and the abolition of slavery — the scourge that had enabled the wealthy plantations to thrive.

French-accented New Orleans, with its iconic French Quarter and party-central Bourbon Street, is the place to down donut-like beignets for breakfast, eat fried oysters in a modest seafood shack, dine royally on the finest cuisine in one of the city's world-famous restaurants, or, of course, have a drink or two, perhaps at a local jazz club such as Preservation Hall.

Memphis is another musical mecca. You can tour Graceland, where Elvis Presley lived; Sun Studio, where Elvis made his name; the Stax Museum, which tells the history of one of the great rhythm and blues studios; and of course, Beale Street, with its parade of blues clubs.

Begin your perfect evening with ribs at The Rendezvous or drinks atop the Madison Hotel, complete with panoramic views.

From St. Louis to Minneapolis — the Upper Mississippi

Cruising the upper Mississippi is a very different experience — the land of cotton gives way to the land of corn, and blues and jazz make way for the traditions of descendants of German immigrants in Iowa and Wisconsin.

St. Louis: Embarkations for upper Mississippi cruises usually begin in St. Louis, Missouri, one of the river's major cities and home to one of the country's best zoos.

The swooping 530-foot-tall Gateway Arch, which sits on the west bank of the Mississippi and has become the symbol of St Louis, offers incredible views of the Mississippi and the entire area. You can ride to the top via tram or elevator, as some one million visitors do annually. Museums dedicated to westward expansion are at the foot of the steel arch.

Hannibal: Mark Twain — the pen name for author Samuel Clemens and the most famous chronicler of the Mississippi River — hailed from Hannibal, Missouri, which lies north of St. Louis along the river.
Hannibal, Mark Twain's Boyhood Home, is an obligatory stop for any upper Mississippi River cruise. It's where Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn fans can enjoy a literary pilgrimage to the town where Twain found most of the inspiration for his best-known fictional characters.
Clinton and Dubuque: Farther north, Clinton and Dubuque, Iowa, are paragons of Midwestern America. Clinton, a former lumber town, is now an agricultural capital, while Dubuque, one of the earliest settlements west of the Mississippi, is known for its historic homes.
LaCrosse: In LaCrosse, Wisconsin, farther north, you can still sample the local breweries, which replaced the lumber industry as one of the city's primary economic engines.

Upper Mississippi River tours end in the Minneapolis area, perhaps at the historic town of Red Wing, south of Saint Paul. Formerly a center for commercial shipping along the river, Red Wing is now known for its artisans and historic homes. Minneapolis-St. Paul is one of America's most livable metropolitan areas, with many museums, restaurants, and other amenities.

Top Mississippi River Experiences

Embark on a journey of discovery along the iconic Mississippi River with our diverse range of tours. From scenic cruises to historical explorations and cultural immersions, our tours offer a myriad of experiences that showcase the rich heritage and natural beauty of this legendary waterway.

Cruising down the Mississippi in an old-fashioned paddle wheeler, reliving the days of Mark Twain
Reveling in musical history and watching live performances in Memphis, Tennessee
Savoring the seafood and architecture of the French Quarter in New Orleans
Riding to the top of the Gateway Arch for a bird's eye view of St. Louis and the Mississippi River
Visiting former cotton plantations in Mississippi and Louisiana and gaining a new understanding of the true horrors of slavery
Getting a sense of the American heartland as you cruise past farms and small towns of Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin
Enjoying the modern metropolis of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, the typical embarkation or disembarkation point for upper Mississippi cruises
Exploring the vibrant riverfront scene of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with its lively markets and historic sites
Take a scenic hike along the bluffs of the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa, for breathtaking views of the waterway
Experiencing the charm of small river towns like Red Wing, Minnesota, known for its picturesque scenery and quaint shops
Delving into Native American history at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site near St. Louis, Missouri
Participating in wildlife spotting excursions to catch glimpses of bald eagles, otters, and other fascinating creatures that call the Mississippi River home

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Things to do in Mississippi River - Expert’s guide

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Mississippi River, where many captivating activities await. From exploring historic landmarks to immersing yourself in vibrant cultures, there's something for every traveler to enjoy on this iconic waterway.

Explore Historic Plantations: Step back in time as you visit historic plantations along the riverbanks of Louisiana. Wander through majestic oak alleys, tour grand antebellum mansions, and gain insight into the region's complex history of slavery and agriculture.
Attend Live Music Performances: Experience the soulful rhythms of the South with live music performances in Memphis, Tennessee. From blues and rock 'n' roll to jazz and country, immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene of Beale Street and discover why Memphis is known as the birthplace of the blues.
Take Guided City Tours: Discover the eclectic charm of New Orleans with guided city tours that showcase the city's unique architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Explore iconic landmarks such as the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the Garden District, and delve into the city's Creole heritage and culinary delights.
Enjoy Scenic River Cruises: Relax and unwind aboard a scenic river cruise to soak in panoramic views of the Mississippi River's picturesque landscapes. From leisurely daytime cruises to romantic sunset excursions, experience the beauty of the river firsthand while learning about its significance and natural wonders from knowledgeable guides.
Explore Historic Plantations: Step back in time as you visit historic plantations along the riverbanks of Louisiana. Wander through majestic oak alleys, tour grand antebellum mansions, and gain insight into the region's complex history of slavery and agriculture.
Attend Live Music Performances: Experience the soulful rhythms of the South with live music performances in Memphis, Tennessee. From blues and rock 'n' roll to jazz and country, immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene of Beale Street and discover why Memphis is known as the birthplace of the blues.
Take Guided City Tours: Discover the eclectic charm of New Orleans with guided city tours that showcase the city's unique architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Explore iconic landmarks such as the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the Garden District, and delve into the city's Creole heritage and culinary delights.
Enjoy Scenic River Cruises: Relax and unwind aboard a scenic river cruise to soak in panoramic views of the Mississippi River's picturesque landscapes. From leisurely daytime cruises to romantic sunset excursions, experience the beauty of the river firsthand while learning about its significance and natural wonders from knowledgeable guides.
Go Fishing: Cast your line into the tranquil waters of the Mississippi River and indulge in a relaxing fishing excursion. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, the river offers abundant opportunities to reel freshwater fish, including bass, catfish, and crappie.
Participate in Water Sports: Dive into the refreshing waters of the Mississippi River and engage in thrilling water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you navigate the river's currents and enjoy a fun-filled day on the water with family and friends.
Birdwatching: Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Mississippi River Delta and indulge in bird watching along its scenic shores. As you explore the river's pristine wetlands and marshes, spot a diverse array of avian species, including bald eagles, herons, egrets, and migratory birds.

Experience the wonders of the Mississippi River and create lasting memories as you embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with history, culture, and natural splendor.

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